The man regarded as the father of medical research in Queensland, Professor Emeritus John Howard Tyrer, CBE, has died, aged 86.
Recognised by his peers as one of the most notable mentors in clinical medicine and research in Australia, Professor Tyrer became The University of Queensland`s first full-time Professor of Medicine in 1954.
Over the next 30 years, he shaped medical teaching in the state and lay the foundations for Queensland`s excellence in medical research.
University of Queensland Medical Society patron Professor John Pearn said Professor Tyrer was an exemplary role model for the many thousands of medical students whom he taught with such elegance and clinical acumen.
Current head of UQ`s School of Medicine Professor Ken Donald said medical education had come of age through Professor Tyrer`s work.
Professor Tyrer, a neurologist of international standing, presided over teaching and research in four hospitals and the development of the Royal Brisbane Hospital`s clinical sciences building.
By his retirement in 1985, his research teams were making their mark nationally, attracting a high level of research grants.
During his early medical career, Professor Tyrer, a University of Sydney medical graduate, developed Australia`s first heart-lung machine which took over the operation of a patient`s heart and lungs during heart surgery.
This landmark invention would be used in the following decade during Australia’s first cardiac bypass operation.
He also developed a special pressurised suit to help pilots overcome high altitude problems during a WW11 stint with the Royal Australian Air Force.
Post-retirement, Professor Tyrer, who continued teaching pathology until he was 78, focused on children`s language difficulties.
He tested hundreds of children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and other learning problems and designed individual programs to help them cope with everyday school life.
Professor Tyrer had a passion for culture, languages, the arts and reading and writing history which culminated in his 455-page book, The History of the Brisbane Hospital, published in 1993.
Professor Tyrer is survived by his wife, Dr Patricia Tyrer, seven children and three grandchildren.
For more information, contact Marlene McKendry on (07) 33464713 or 0401 996847.
